Notification

Producer

Jose Manuel Jimenez

Farm:

La Dorada

Country:

Colombia

Region:

Quindio

Finca La Dorada is a unique farm in that almost all of it’s entire production is sold into the local market in Quindio to local roasters. What makes the farm even more unique is that it is fully equipped with its very own micro mill where all parchment is hulled, screen and density sorted.

José Manuel Jimenez is a progressive producer who believes in specialty coffee as a means to improved income through coffee. The lower lying altitude of his farm makes it ideal to produce honey processed coffees, this enables José to dry his parchment quicker in the initial drying phase preventing any unwanted over ferment, and with mild night times, means the more even drying of parchment which produces a consistent and stable honey coffee. Along with having ideal growing conditions, José is meticulous with his post milling processes. He employs 5 women who work from their homes, to hand sort his coffee removing any defects that may have made it past the milling and sorting stage.

La Dorada is a remarkably large size farm by Colombian standards and what is striking about this farm is the number of shade trees that populate the different lots on the farm. This is a reason why La Dorada is RFA certified, but also a reason why José can attain a higher quality cherry. He practises as many organic farming practises as is practically possible, while fertilizing twice a year to ensuring appropriate soil nutrient levels, José has a large worm farm where coffee pulp is composted and turned into fertilizer for the farm.